“As a matter of urgency, the commission will begin work on post-2019 elections review and road mark to 2023. There is a lot of work but very little time available.

“As a process governed by law, the success of election in Nigeria depends to a large extent on the electoral legal framework and most importantly, in ensuring adherence to the law. “I want to assure you that we will continue to work with the National Assembly to review and strengthen our electoral law. “But, I want to appeal to the senators-elect to please start work early and conclude work on electoral framework in good time well ahead of the 2023 general elections. “The tendency to delay electoral reform particularly the review of electoral framework until it is too close to the elections leaves the commission with little time to develop processes including regulations and guidelines, make required consultation with stakeholders, embark on effective voter education including sensitisation, train staff and organised deployment for the elections. “I am glad that among the senators-elect are senators that we have worked very closely with and some of them have taken initiative or even sponsoring private member bills to advance the cause of electoral reform. We look forward to working very closely with you in the next Senate. “However, all these are matters to consider, I hope we will do so in earnest, but today is your day I congratulate you and wish you well in the service of our dear nation.”